Change. It’s something that many people resist, preferring to keep everything the way it is. Yet change is one of life’s only constants. Sometimes we choose change, but often it is pushed upon us. All we can control is how to react to each change that life may bring. As a ministry we have been going through many changes in the past nine months. Many things have fallen away and are missed. At the same time, new beginnings are starting to take place.
After the passing away of our founder, DeLynn Hoover in July, as a ministry we knew the way things were done would probably never be the same. Covid was also shifting the way people around the world could operate both locally and globally. Those two realities felt like more than enough change.
Now we have more. After many years of ministry leading VidaNet with her husband DeLynn, Gloria has decided to not stay in Costa Rica without him but to relocate to the US. And finally, Vinny and Carmelinda Miller also have decided to step away from VidaNet, resigning their positions as directors of Vida Missions and Vida220. The departure of each one of these individuals is deeply felt.
Even in the midst of all these transitions, the vision of VidaNet continues. VidaNet exists to raise up disciples who are “growing up and reaching out”. As this vision lives on, a season of “new beginnings” is upon us. We eagerly anticipate what God has for the ministry.
On April 1st, the Nofziger family arrived on the base here in Costa Rica, with Wendell and Melanie serving as the new VidaNet directors. Also, current staff member Laura Miller recently accepted the invitation to serve as the interim Vida Missions coordinator. She and her team are preparing to receive the first Vida Missions team on May 20 with five other teams coming this summer. Some of our VidaNet leaders were recently meeting in El Salvador with Mennonite church leaders to discern, clarify and dream of how VidaNet and these leaders will continue to best work together to make discipleship and send workers into the harvest. Plans for the Vida220 training in the fall are also coming together with applications already arriving.
So, God continues to lead us forward. Change, although sometimes scary, is often an invitation to learn and to grow. Through the changes of the past year, in the world and within the ministry, God has continued to show His faithfulness. He is using these challenging transitions to bring fresh life and new beginnings.
By Leah Zeiset
VidaNet Staff Member
Hi Leah,
Wonderful article. Didn’t see those changes coming. So nice to see your smiling face and involvement with the ministry. Bless you!!
Mark, It’s great to hear from you and it’s been great having Leah join in on the team here at VidaNet. May God Bless you as well.